Preview — Influential Magic
by Deanna Chase

Influential Magic

It’s tough being a faery in New Orleans, a city fraught with vampires… especially when their very existence drains your life-force.

Willow Rhoswen, owner of The Fated Cupcake and part-time vampire hunter for the Void is having a rough week. Four years after her twin brother’s mysterious death, Willow’s life is threatened and the director saddles her with a new partner—her eIt’s tough being a faery in New Orleans, a city fraught with vampires… especially when their very existence drains your life-force.

Willow Rhoswen, owner of The Fated Cupcake and part-time vampire hunter for the Void is having a rough week. Four years after her twin brother’s mysterious death, Willow’s life is threatened and the director saddles her with a new partner—her ex-boyfriend, David. To her horror, he’s turned vamp, which causes her physical pain whenever she touches him… and any other specimen of the undead.

In order to save Willow’s life, David agrees to turn double agent against the most powerful vampire organization in New Orleans. Or so he says. And she’s convinced they know something about her brother’s death. Unsure where David’s loyalties lie, she turns to Talisen, her childhood crush, to help her solve the mystery.

Caught between two gorgeous men and a director who’ll stop at nothing to control Willow’s gifts, she’ll have to follow her instincts and learn who to trust. Otherwise, she risks losing more than just her life....more

Community Reviews

Looking for an interesting take on the paranormal world? A plot you can’t predict? A character cast filled with faeries and vampires and witches and…Links? Links??? What the hell is a Link, you ask? In short, an awesome furball of a creature that when threatened goes from a cuddly little lapdog into a raging wolf.

I want one. I’d even carry him around in one of those hideous little dog purses just so I could toss him at someone when they pissed me off.

In this book he has a pretty important jobLooking for an interesting take on the paranormal world? A plot you can’t predict? A character cast filled with faeries and vampires and witches and…Links? Links??? What the hell is a Link, you ask? In short, an awesome furball of a creature that when threatened goes from a cuddly little lapdog into a raging wolf.

I want one. I’d even carry him around in one of those hideous little dog purses just so I could toss him at someone when they pissed me off.

In this book he has a pretty important job to do protecting Willow, our MC, who happens to be a faery, complete with shimmery wings and all. In the opening chapters she thinks she has life figured out. She owns a cupcake shop that sells magically infused sweets and treats, has a best friend named Phoebe that tells her everything, a douchebag of an ex-boyfriend named David that broke up with her out of the blue and with no given reason (the asshat) and the best friend of her deceased brother, Talisen, that…okay, so maybe she’s not quite sure about what’s going on there.

Since her brother passed away Tal has tried to step into that role for Willow but now things are getting confusing between them and lines are starting to blur. Then she runs into her ex and begins to realize that after a year of dating, she never really knew him at all. Add to this the fact that her bestie seems to be keeping things from her, her aunt wants to make her a rab-lat and someone is trying to kill her and…well, let’s just say things aren’t really what Willow thought they were.

I really liked a lot of things about this book. The world and creature lore were wonderfully built and full of minute detail without ever feeling overwhelming, the supportive characters were well developed individuals that brought a lot to the story and the pacing was pretty much non-stop. You never really have time to catch your breath while reading this because it’s one thing after another after another after another. Add in a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end and you have a recipe for a fantastic book.

Okay, so why the three stars?

First of all, I’d like to say that three stars from me is not a bad thing. It means I liked a book and I would conditionally recommend it. All recommendations to me are conditional as I don’t believe all people are cut out for all books.

What’s keeping me from giving it a higher rating is the main character. I’m pretty much the polar opposite of her in almost every imaginable way and so it kept me from being able to fully connect with her, which is no fault of the author’s. This might speak volumes about me as a person but Willow is pretty much your ‘glass is half full’ kind of faerie. I’m more a ‘the glass could double as a weapon if shit hits the fan’ type of girl.

Instead of sympathizing with her I was more confused by her behavior. While she thought she was crusading for the causes of good I thought she was begging for a rude awakening. She’s also…weak (to me). Because of her non-violent outlook in life she’s basically defenseless. Which is why she has Link! But then she leaves him behind and does something dumb like walk into a potentially hostile vampire lair to pick a fight with their master…

TSTL tendencies aside, I think a lot of people will relate to her so I fully recommend this book to all ‘glass is half-full’ subscribers and to those that can handle an MC in a paranormal genre that’s not your typical wise cracking bad ass. Even though Willow and I didn’t see eye-to-eye all the time I really did enjoy a lot of this book and look forward to reading the next installment.

I’ve read a couple of books by this author and enjoyed her quirky paranormal ideas. I’d had this on my kindle ages so finally sat down to sink myself into this world of Fae and Vampires. I liked the idea of Willow a faery working for good whilst still trying to understand just why her twin brother was previously murdered but sad to say the execution here just left me feeling flat. Perhaps it’s that the author has matured and grown as a writer which would explain why I’ve enjoyed her more recentI’ve read a couple of books by this author and enjoyed her quirky paranormal ideas. I’d had this on my kindle ages so finally sat down to sink myself into this world of Fae and Vampires. I liked the idea of Willow a faery working for good whilst still trying to understand just why her twin brother was previously murdered but sad to say the execution here just left me feeling flat. Perhaps it’s that the author has matured and grown as a writer which would explain why I’ve enjoyed her more recent work but honestly for this reader this story just took too long to actually make sense. Yes it’s the first in a series so obviously setting things up but when you add in her best friend Phoebe who is such an angry, impulsive Witch , David her ex who is now a Vampire ( why ?) and fellow Fae Talisen not to mention scary Aunt I just thought at times it seemed like a mess which is not what I really wanted to say. Sadly I am disappointed but will still look for this authors work although perhaps next time I will try a sample first....more

I recall having had a go at this one before, and it's probably why I haven't ventured any further with this series.

This girl really gets up my nose. She's just so stupid, and that includes stupid question time. Truly stretched my disbelief to the farthest corners of the universe. Didn't get past chapter 2, and by then I was already banging my head against the wall.

Willow is a fae known for cooking up foods that are spelled for different things. Most importantly of all, she is known for making the most notorious spell of all kind known as "orange influence". Unless administered in the course of justice, this substance is highly illegal. Willow is also pretty well-known for her vampire sensing abilities.

When she comes back from a break at her home-town, she finds herself forced to partner with her ex-boyfriend, who has also turned vampRating: 3.5 out of 5.

Willow is a fae known for cooking up foods that are spelled for different things. Most importantly of all, she is known for making the most notorious spell of all kind known as "orange influence". Unless administered in the course of justice, this substance is highly illegal. Willow is also pretty well-known for her vampire sensing abilities.

When she comes back from a break at her home-town, she finds herself forced to partner with her ex-boyfriend, who has also turned vampire. Vampires and Faes don't mix. They are not enemies per se, but they don't have a good relationship.

Add in her deceased brother's best friend who is a fae and very interested in her, we have a turbulent love triangle...

Now as for my review...

This book was hard to get into, at least for me. But I persevered and was happily surprised from 30% onwards.

This novel had good elements to it. A good world-building. Good characters. But there were some things that I didn't enjoy. For one, it was the series of untruths and betrayals that littered Willow's path throughout the book. She could never seem to get a proper and correct answer from anyone. It was frustrating, I wished that Willow just sat the relevant person down and asked them right questions. Of course, if they were lying, it would have been of no use anyway, there were so many things going on that she was either distracted from asking, or another issue came up that was more important to ask.

I also didn't like David much. There was a part where his ex is involved. And when asked about her involvement, he replies that she came around asking about Willow that's why he was involved with her. I don't get it, why sleep with her if it was just a matter of sussing out what she wanted...

Yes, yes I have issues with OW showing up... But other than that, it was a good start to a paranormal romance series.

Willow Rhoswen is a faery. She lives in New Orleans and works as the owner of a bakery, The Fated Cupcake, and as an undercover agent for the Void Agency (supernatural police officer).

After a visit to her home town, Willow returns to New Orleans to find that her ex-boyfriend has been turned into a vampire and has a warning that her life is in danger.

Caught between her fellings for David, her ex-now vampire-boyfriend, and Talisen, her best friends, Willow must decide who to trust and who holds hWillow Rhoswen is a faery. She lives in New Orleans and works as the owner of a bakery, The Fated Cupcake, and as an undercover agent for the Void Agency (supernatural police officer).

After a visit to her home town, Willow returns to New Orleans to find that her ex-boyfriend has been turned into a vampire and has a warning that her life is in danger.

Caught between her fellings for David, her ex-now vampire-boyfriend, and Talisen, her best friends, Willow must decide who to trust and who holds her future.

Hunted by vampires and even the Void agency itself, Willow searches for the truth behind her new gifts. Why do so many paranormals want her and want to control her?

Influential Magic completely intrigued me. I was sucked in from the very beginning and stayed riveted to the pages to the end. Deanna Chase provided a magical adventure with plot twists and turns that will delight all. This is an excellent beginning to what is sure to be a fantastic new series to follow.

This copy of Influential Magic was given to me by Bayou Moon Press, LLC in exchange for a honest review. This book was published March 8, 2013.

Holy crow!! This book blew me away...Being a big fan of Charlaine Harris's Sookie Sackhouse, Kim Harrison's The Hollows, and early Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake I had an instant connection with this book because it does have some of the same sort of 'feel', but dare I even say this... as a fresh new read, I may have enjoyed it even more than those! *gasp*The twists and turns were astounding; I never knew what was going to happen. The characters were incredibly well developed and garnered instHoly crow!! This book blew me away...Being a big fan of Charlaine Harris's Sookie Sackhouse, Kim Harrison's The Hollows, and early Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake I had an instant connection with this book because it does have some of the same sort of 'feel', but dare I even say this... as a fresh new read, I may have enjoyed it even more than those! *gasp*The twists and turns were astounding; I never knew what was going to happen. The characters were incredibly well developed and garnered instant connections. The world was very well thought out and totally interesting, the plot was deep & involved, and the subtle romance was perfectly placed for an Urban Fantasy and despite the fact that I generally loathe love triangles, this one totally worked and just added to the intrigue.I would highly recommend this book and cannot wait for book #2!-Full review to come...more

So much action! Willow really is having a bad week. He ex is a vampire, her boss is out to get her and her best friend is acting odd. I enjoyed this fun and funny book and will be reading the next one.

INFLUENTIAL MAGIC was an entertaining new urban fantasy novel that provides a new take on faeries and vampires. Willow Roswen is a faery complete with wings. Her magic is life magic. She uses her magic on herbs and other living things to infuse them with magic. She runs a cupcake shop and sell her projects. However, in her research, she has found some other products that could be put to questionable use. One of the most liable to misuse is a product that lets someone influence the person it is gINFLUENTIAL MAGIC was an entertaining new urban fantasy novel that provides a new take on faeries and vampires. Willow Roswen is a faery complete with wings. Her magic is life magic. She uses her magic on herbs and other living things to infuse them with magic. She runs a cupcake shop and sell her projects. However, in her research, she has found some other products that could be put to questionable use. One of the most liable to misuse is a product that lets someone influence the person it is given to. It is especially being misused by her aunt who runs an organization called the Void.

Willow is still haunted by the death of her twin brother. When her life is threatened, she is partnered with her ex-boyfriend who has become a vampire. Vampires and faeries don't mix. Vampires have death magic; faeries have life magic. Willow has a secret ability to sense vampires which makes her especially vulnerable to a vampire's touch. Willow is having a hard time getting over the change in her ex-boyfriend who had dumped her seemingly without reason. While she still loves him, she can no longer trust him or agree with the way he lives his life.

As is usual in many urban fantasy novels, this one has a love triangle. In this case her other love interest in a faery named Talisen who was her brother's best friend and who has been her friend since they were children. Willow has had a crush on him forever but is afraid, that if their love doesn't work out, she will lose his friendship too. She has watched Talisen after relationship after relationship and doesn't want to be yet another failed relationship.

This story has lots of plot lines One of them is the investigation into her brother's death. Still another has to do with the buying and selling, using and misusing of influence. Another yet has to do with her aunt's desire to send Willow to testing to find out why she can sense vampires and learn about another new power she has recently discovered.

The story is well-written; the world building works; the characters are well-rounded and interesting people. Fans of urban fantasy will enjoy this one. ...more

Influential Magic is the first book in the Crescent City Fae and with this book Deanna Chase has created a series that promises to be the next it series. The world that is created is both fantastical and realistic. In Influential Magic we meet Willow. She is a Faerie that by day owns a magically influenced cupcake shop and by night works for a government agency run by her very spiteful aunt. Her roommate and partner is a witch with a kick ass take names later attitude who enjoys her job of huntiInfluential Magic is the first book in the Crescent City Fae and with this book Deanna Chase has created a series that promises to be the next it series. The world that is created is both fantastical and realistic. In Influential Magic we meet Willow. She is a Faerie that by day owns a magically influenced cupcake shop and by night works for a government agency run by her very spiteful aunt. Her roommate and partner is a witch with a kick ass take names later attitude who enjoys her job of hunting and killing vampires. Willow is also over run with hot men vying for her affections. She is pursued by her brother’s best friend, Talisen and her Ex-boyfriend newly turned vampire, David. It seems everywhere she turns she is forced to fight, whether its her affections toward these gorgeous men or forced to fight her aunt who may have a hit out on her. In the end, you are questioning everyone’s motives and feel you can only trust Willow.

I really enjoyed this story and see a lot of potential in this new series. Deanna Chase is a gifted story-teller with a wonderful imagination. Her characters are well-developed, but leave room for more. Her story is exciting and entertaining with the ability to drive you to want to stay up all night to finish her book. I guarantee if you enjoy the paranormal or urban fantasy genre you will want to add this book and the series to your reading list....more

Books filled with paranormal creatures are something I haven't been reading too much. Books featuring vampires? Sure. Witches? Not so much. Faeries? Never. Faeries gave this one a nice twist but it didn't really save the reading experience.

I'm not sure how old Willow was supposed to be, early twenties? It was probably mentioned somewhere but I didn't pay attention. I think she was incredibly immature, stupid and annoying. Someone who thinks she's this self-reliant, independent woman but who alwBooks filled with paranormal creatures are something I haven't been reading too much. Books featuring vampires? Sure. Witches? Not so much. Faeries? Never. Faeries gave this one a nice twist but it didn't really save the reading experience.

I'm not sure how old Willow was supposed to be, early twenties? It was probably mentioned somewhere but I didn't pay attention. I think she was incredibly immature, stupid and annoying. Someone who thinks she's this self-reliant, independent woman but who always gets herself into a trouble by sheer stupidity and needs someone to rescue her. Like her dog, Shih Tzu turning into a wolf. Or her BFF, a badass witch who's actually capable of taking care of herself. Or ex-boyfriend who is now a vampire. Or her deceased brother's super hot best friend who's also a faery with healing powers.

The story didn't really engage at first and I think it took weeks to read one third of the book. After that I was able to pick up the pace, maybe because I wanted to finish the book not because I was more engaged by the story. I'm not sure.

It could be fun to read more novels about societies where humans and supernatural beings are out in the world but not from this author. Not my cup of tea. ...more

The book began brilliantly. Fairies, vampires, witches but all walking around modern day New Orleans toting iPhones and driving swank cars. It started off like a typical romance, a hint of 'what might have been' end of summer vacation. Then it flashed a peek of murder mystery with an unexplained dead twin. It ran into a bit of supernatural action at a cemetary. And then it veered into otherworld fantasy with a heroine who rustles up magically enhanced desserts (Enhanced Edibles). Somewhere afterThe book began brilliantly. Fairies, vampires, witches but all walking around modern day New Orleans toting iPhones and driving swank cars. It started off like a typical romance, a hint of 'what might have been' end of summer vacation. Then it flashed a peek of murder mystery with an unexplained dead twin. It ran into a bit of supernatural action at a cemetary. And then it veered into otherworld fantasy with a heroine who rustles up magically enhanced desserts (Enhanced Edibles). Somewhere after that it went into a bit of late Harry Potter before crashing into confused Twilight zone flitting between a fae-man and a vampire ex-.

I was initially thrilled to discover that this book was part of a series, thinking I'd be hooked to each instalment. But having struggled through the last few pages of confused action and insipid plot resolution, I don't think I'm going back....more

I have high standards for urban fantasy heroines because of Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, and Eileen Wilks.

This heroine was so stupid in the beginning that I gave up. She doesn't think before she acts and doesn't take her limitations seriously (view spoiler)[ she enters a place that can kill her because she is tired of waiting, she lets her phone die even though she is part of an enforcement agency, she takes off after a vampire by herself after nearly passing out (hide spoiler)]. Maybe theseI have high standards for urban fantasy heroines because of Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, and Eileen Wilks.

This heroine was so stupid in the beginning that I gave up. She doesn't think before she acts and doesn't take her limitations seriously (view spoiler)[ she enters a place that can kill her because she is tired of waiting, she lets her phone die even though she is part of an enforcement agency, she takes off after a vampire by herself after nearly passing out (hide spoiler)]. Maybe these actions are explained later--maybe she is depressed or has another illness--but I didn't continue to find out.

I can't believe I've taken so long to update my status with this book! I LOVED IT!!! Deanna Chase is not only a good friend, but she's a fantastic author. And no, I'm no sock puppet. I just happen to enjoy my friend's books. Listen, if you're into Urban Fantasy filled with fairies, cupcake making, sexy vampires, an adorable shapeshifting shitzu that turns into a tank of a wolf and some sexy, sexy men... then you'll absolutely love this book! Set in New Orleans, seriously... this book can't get mI can't believe I've taken so long to update my status with this book! I LOVED IT!!! Deanna Chase is not only a good friend, but she's a fantastic author. And no, I'm no sock puppet. I just happen to enjoy my friend's books. Listen, if you're into Urban Fantasy filled with fairies, cupcake making, sexy vampires, an adorable shapeshifting shitzu that turns into a tank of a wolf and some sexy, sexy men... then you'll absolutely love this book! Set in New Orleans, seriously... this book can't get much better.

Looking forward to its sequel. And by the way, that cover is serious eye candy. ...more

umm...I don't like shallow characters that vascillate back and forth and back and forth and don't know the diff between thinking on your feet and just being stupid and running into trouble hoping it works out, ugh

The ARP strikes again. This story was relatively good, with magic and witches and vampires, and I fully planned to continue the series. But the ARP only has the first book, which means I would have to purchase the next two. I liked the book but not that much.

Blurb: It’s tough being a faery in New Orleans, a city fraught with vampires… especially when their very existence drains your life-force.Willow Rhoswen, owner of The Fated Cupcake and part-time vampire hunter for the Void is having a rough week. Four years after her twin brother’s mysterious death, Willow’s life is threatened and the director saddles her with a new partner—her ex-boyfriendTitle: Influential Magic

Series: Crescent City Fae, Book1

Author: Deanna Chase

Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Blurb: It’s tough being a faery in New Orleans, a city fraught with vampires… especially when their very existence drains your life-force.Willow Rhoswen, owner of The Fated Cupcake and part-time vampire hunter for the Void is having a rough week. Four years after her twin brother’s mysterious death, Willow’s life is threatened and the director saddles her with a new partner—her ex-boyfriend, David. To her horror, he’s turned vamp, which causes her physical pain whenever she touches him… and any other specimen of the undead.In order to save Willow’s life, David agrees to turn double agent against the most powerful vampire organization in New Orleans. Or so he says. And she’s convinced they know something about her brother’s death. Unsure where David’s loyalties lie, she turns to Talisen, her childhood crush, to help her solve the mystery.Caught between two gorgeous men and a director who’ll stop at nothing to control Willow’s gifts, she’ll have to follow her instincts and learn who to trust. Otherwise, she risks losing more than just her life.

Thoughts: Willow Rhoswen is a faery with a very special ability - she can sense vampires. Unfortunately, this has brought her to the attention of some of the wrong people and she finds her life is in danger. She becomes caught up in a complex series of events that begin to unfold, giving her some long sought for answers. But is she prepared for the answers she finds?

This was an excellent book! With a well thought out storyline, likeable and charismatic characters, non-stop action, and a love triangle, what more could you ask for? My attention was caught from beginning to end, with the writer weaving a fascinating tale that I couldn't put down! My only complaint was when the book actually ended, because I want more....Can't wait for the next installment in this series! I have already looked into other books by this excellent author, and I am anxious to start her Jade Calhoun Series!

Book Two of the Crescent City Fae series is set for release November 2013.

Don't let the cover fool you, there are no meek Tinkerbells in INFLUENTIAL MAGIC. The faeries are fierce supernatural creatures who can hold their own with the vampires and other paranormal things. Willow owns a cupcake shop where she sells goodies that she alters with her fae gifts in different ways. You can buy relaxation, influence, things to keep you awake, you get the idea. She also works as a hunter for the void but doesn't really enjoy it and the director happens to be her evil aunt.

WillDon't let the cover fool you, there are no meek Tinkerbells in INFLUENTIAL MAGIC. The faeries are fierce supernatural creatures who can hold their own with the vampires and other paranormal things. Willow owns a cupcake shop where she sells goodies that she alters with her fae gifts in different ways. You can buy relaxation, influence, things to keep you awake, you get the idea. She also works as a hunter for the void but doesn't really enjoy it and the director happens to be her evil aunt.

Willow's boyfriend of a year David broke up with her via text message and she has spent the last couple of months wondering why. She never imagined it was because he turned vampire and now she is stuck working closely with him on a new case. Talison was her brothers best friend when he was alive, she is very close to him and although they flirt a lot and she has feelings for him she never took it farther because she has never wanted it to ruin their relationship, oh and he is a player. They really are cute together though and I loved seeing them in action. I wish there would have been some more Talisen and Willow love time. I know it's not a paranormal romance but there is a love triangle and David had some love time so I would have liked more Talison love time. I very much enjoyed her little side kick Link. You will have to read the story to find out about his shape shifting coolness.

INFLUENTIAL MAGIC is a fun simple read with some nice action and mystery thrown in. The characters make the book and I will be waiting to read book 2....more

This is a hard review to write. How can I put it in words without spoiling anything? I loved the story. But at times, the heroine, Willow, would drive me crazy! I wanted to smack her. Why she worried about the bad guys being tortured to get info from them was beyond me after all she went through. And she treated Talisen (hope I spelled that correctly) and David so bad most of the time. Almost seemed selfish a few times. But if I had been through what she had, I would too. I got frustrated becausThis is a hard review to write. How can I put it in words without spoiling anything? I loved the story. But at times, the heroine, Willow, would drive me crazy! I wanted to smack her. Why she worried about the bad guys being tortured to get info from them was beyond me after all she went through. And she treated Talisen (hope I spelled that correctly) and David so bad most of the time. Almost seemed selfish a few times. But if I had been through what she had, I would too. I got frustrated because it would take forever to get things explained. But that's what made it keep you hanging. I didn't mean that as in it was drug out. Not at all. There were some twists at the end I never saw coming. I had to stop for a moment and just think about it, I was so stunned. I was also torn between David and Talisen for most of the book. I saw good in David even though he had been bad. Ooh I'm dying to tell about stuff. This world building and story line is so amazing! It's really strong and packed with stuff. I had the ebook and the audio so I would listen at times and read other times. The narrator really brings it to life even more. She does voices so well you think it's actually someone else speaking. I forgot I was listening to just one person. It was like listening to a tv show. I was so absorbed. I think this might be my favorite series of Deanna's now. I highly recommend it....more

I bought this book online from Amazon Kindle Store. I am a part of the Review Team @ The Paranormal Bookshelf.

Category: Paranormal, multiple genresSpoilers: NONEBook #1 in the Crescent City Fae Series

I did not have a lot of thoughts about this book when I first started to read it. In fact, I hadn't heard of the author nor the series until one of our Facebook fans mentioned it is a great series to read based out of New Orleans. So I just had to look it up. Glad I did. This book was very entertaiI bought this book online from Amazon Kindle Store. I am a part of the Review Team @ The Paranormal Bookshelf.

Category: Paranormal, multiple genresSpoilers: NONEBook #1 in the Crescent City Fae Series

I did not have a lot of thoughts about this book when I first started to read it. In fact, I hadn't heard of the author nor the series until one of our Facebook fans mentioned it is a great series to read based out of New Orleans. So I just had to look it up. Glad I did. This book was very entertaining and held my interest up until the end of the book. There were not many grammar mistakes which always makes the flow of a book a lot easier to read and the characters seem so lovable. My favorite character would have to be Phoebe but you will have to read the book if you want to know why. The story though is about Willow and her tale of a torn heart, mysterious deaths and finding out new truths. All in all it was a good story line. No spoilers, I promise, though it is tough. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was I thought at times the back and forth was a little much. To those who haven't read, this doesn't make sense, it's okay. The book is worth the read. For those that have, you know what I am talking about. So I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Will be glad to read the next one when I can....more

This was an OK read with lots of interesting plot developments. It was fast paced with a nice mix of mystery, relationship drama, and danger. But I rated it poorly because it felt like a soup that just had chunks of some of the other top paranormal series. For example, the female lead seemed inspired by Anita Blake. Like Anita, Willow works for an agency that keeps the non-humans in line but they she also has connections with vampires that have their own system of rule. She is supposed to have aThis was an OK read with lots of interesting plot developments. It was fast paced with a nice mix of mystery, relationship drama, and danger. But I rated it poorly because it felt like a soup that just had chunks of some of the other top paranormal series. For example, the female lead seemed inspired by Anita Blake. Like Anita, Willow works for an agency that keeps the non-humans in line but they she also has connections with vampires that have their own system of rule. She is supposed to have a shit-kicking take-no-prisoners attitude, but in this case, it just come across as whiney, arrogant, impatient, and immature. Despite having many likable traits, like her ability to imbue desserts with magical powers, it is difficult to like the bossy, rash, and immature main character. There is also the classic love triangle taken from many other series, but there is not enough development of those relationships. It ends up being quite confusing, and the heroine comes across as a indecisive, flakey, and shallow. This story and the world Chase developed have a lot of potential, but the books needs a bit more originality and a more likable leading lady. ...more

Enjoyable story. I was a little frustrated by how much time she spent considering her ex-boyfriend given how he treated her. I was VERY glad (view spoiler)[ that she chooses Tal and that she tells David in no uncertain terms that there can be nothing between them. Given that their entire relationship was based on a lie, his morals are diametrically opposed to Willow's and that he knew about Beau junior and didn't tell her if she picked David I would have been really annoyed. However, I would havEnjoyable story. I was a little frustrated by how much time she spent considering her ex-boyfriend given how he treated her. I was VERY glad (view spoiler)[ that she chooses Tal and that she tells David in no uncertain terms that there can be nothing between them. Given that their entire relationship was based on a lie, his morals are diametrically opposed to Willow's and that he knew about Beau junior and didn't tell her if she picked David I would have been really annoyed. However, I would have preferred to see more interaction between Willow & Tal and less between Willow and David(view spoiler)[ I was also not to keen on best friend Phoebe to start (given how much she seemed to be keeping from Willow) but I liked her more as the story progressed. And I LOVED Link. I am keen to read the next instalment provided the romance angle stays stable and no irritating love triangle is -re-introduced. (view spoiler)[ Wont be reading the second book after all - just found out she does end up with David. How incredibly disappointing. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)]...more

This book was part of a "box set" on my Kindle. Six books for $.99 ?? I'll bite. And while I did like the story, I liked most of the characters.. the main character, Willow, was probably the most annoying, helpless one I've ever come across. Reading in her voice/POV was very frustrating because it felt like she was whining the whole time. Maybe I've read too many books where the main heroine was a tough, kick ass now and ask questions later, type but she didn't know how to do ANYTHING! I probablThis book was part of a "box set" on my Kindle. Six books for $.99 ?? I'll bite. And while I did like the story, I liked most of the characters.. the main character, Willow, was probably the most annoying, helpless one I've ever come across. Reading in her voice/POV was very frustrating because it felt like she was whining the whole time. Maybe I've read too many books where the main heroine was a tough, kick ass now and ask questions later, type but she didn't know how to do ANYTHING! I probably won't continue on with this series but I did find myself rooting for David (for some reason, he seemed really sincere to me) and Talisen sounded like a real hottie! I liked that vampires, witches and all other kinds of fae were "out" in the world, among humans and trying to live peacefully. Never read one like that. Still, I have to give it 2 stars because Willow needs to put her big girl panties on. ...more

This was a really good read from about mid book to the end I did not want to put the book down. It continued to pick up pace as the story progressed. The characters don't leave u wondering "what is wrong with this person". They all flow together very well like any relationship with good friends. I was left wanting to read more when the book ended.

Free download worth reading, mildly entertaining filler between two good books. Side tangent: Why do people write books about weak lead characters? It's fiction. You want someone who inspires reading the 2nd and 3rd book.

Ms. Chase has invented a rich world of magically infused cupcakes, faerie tree huggers, Shih Tzu-Wolf shape shifters and a mafia-like vampire family who keep getting in everyone’s darn way.

This book was a fun, fast paced read. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. But! it did take the first couple of chapters for me to really warm up to the story. There was no insta-love here, but by chapter 10 I started to become a little more invested with each of the characters. AndThe Urban Book Thief review

Ms. Chase has invented a rich world of magically infused cupcakes, faerie tree huggers, Shih Tzu-Wolf shape shifters and a mafia-like vampire family who keep getting in everyone’s darn way.

This book was a fun, fast paced read. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. But! it did take the first couple of chapters for me to really warm up to the story. There was no insta-love here, but by chapter 10 I started to become a little more invested with each of the characters. And this has absolutely no correlation to the fact that Talisen (faerie boy, cutie pie) started to get a little more air time at this point. Nu-ah. Okay… well… you twisted my arm… he was so pretty and sweet – and I’m not usually into sweet guys. A cute and dreamy flutterfly. Be still my beating heart.

The book follows the story of earth faerie Willow, cupcake store owner by day and reluctant vampire hunter by night. Which I love! Who doesn’t love cake, dream of having wings and staking naughty fang-boys as a side job?

Willow

Living in New Orleans, Willow was forced to draft herself into helping the Void for five years, a supernatural crime fighting agency led by her evil Aunt Maude. Not only can Willow sense vampires within a one mile radius but she also bakes food which contain magical properties that manipulates victims into doing what they want. Yum! So she’s a useful lady to have around and the Void have every intention of using her many ‘talents’. Though with nasty side-effects. Vampires drain her energy levels down to the point where sometimes she can’t even pick herself off the floor and fly away. Luckily for her, Willow has a dog called Link who morphs into a wolf and helps her out when she gets into tight spots. Also waiting in the wings is Phoebe, her kickass disguise wearing best friend. As her fellow house mate and Void partner, Phoebe is a witch with a penchant for carrying daggers in her knee high boots and dusting vamps before they have a chance to speak.

My kinda lady completely.

Considering Willow is a vampire hunter her first encounter with a vampire isn’t very impressive. Without her bestie Phoebe at her side she stood paralysed with fear waiting to be made into chump food. Lucky her wolf Link was there to save her ass. Normally, this wouldn’t impress me. But what I love about Willow is that she doesn’t want to use violence to get out of a sticky situation. She’s a sweet but determined pacifist who’s hesitant to break the law, hates violence and doesn’t agree with manipulating people. If she had a mantra it would probably be something like - magic is a privilege, not a weapon. But Willow's not a pushover – not at all.

“You’ve never been one to ask permission from anyone. And you sure as hell don’t wait around for a man to do anything. It’s not a surprise you’d disregard any plan put in place by anyone other than yourself or Phoebe.”

David

A free spirited faerie, Willow thrives on life magic and is naturally abhorrent of all things dead. So it’s a bit of a shock when her ex-boyfriend David shows up all fanged and friendly three months after he dumped her ass in a text message. He doesn't know that Willow can't physically stand the touch of a vampire, one thing that wasn't a problem when they were together because back then he was human.

“I’ve missed you,” David mumbled into my neck and wrapped his arms around my waist. He rested his cheek on the top of my head and hugged me to him, like a long-lost lover he’d never wanted to let go.

Now I’m incredibly biased against this vampire hottie as I know personally how it feels like to be dumped by an electronic device. Not cool man, not cool. This isn’t something that you can easily bounce back from, particularly if that same ex comes back as a vampire. David is a mysterious character with a lot of hidden depths and I imagine that these won’t all come to light until the next book in the series. As a human, Willow thought that he was sweet, gentle and caring. But now he’s mister badass vamp with his dark clothes and silk shirts, the gloves have come off and a darker, crueler side has come out to play. This I like. This I’m sure many other readers will like too. But he's not completely cold and dark. David still retains some of his lost humanity and isn’t above giving Willow a pain-filled look every now and again. But the big mystery for most of the book was why David chose to become a vampire in the first place.

David sat, crossing one leg over his knee. To anyone else he would have appeared casual, unconcerned. They wouldn’t notice the tiny squint of his right eye. His one and only tell that he was seconds from losing his patience. Last time I saw that look was right before he’d fired one of the contractors who’d worked on his company’s oil rig. The guy had made one too many inappropriate remarks about tasting my faery bits. Yeah, those bits.

A big plus for David is that he is into bedroom picnics, which are the best kind of picnics in my humble opinion.

There are two main occurring plot lines in Influential Magic. One involves the mystery of how Willow’s twin brother Beau died four years ago. The other is about Willow’s undercover operation with David within the shady vampiric world of Cryrique. This brings her into contact with Allcot, a walking cliché of a silk wearing, double entendre making, lip smacking vampire master. Unfortunately, he also happens to be David’s Sire. This does not bode well for their rekindled relationship. Willow can’t possibly trust David now as he plays double agent to both the Void and Cryrique.

So what’s a girl to do?

Talisen

Get right on the phone to Talisen, the best-friend of her dead twin brother that’s who. A pretty, green-eyed faery, Tal and Willow have been flirting on and off for the past nine years. But he likes to play around – a lot. And Willow doesn’t want to be another notch on his bed post. Fae gifted in crystal magic, Tal doesn’t feature heavily in the book but can usually be found after a fight scene healing people with his magic stones (which I am happy for him to use on me whenever he wants).

My heart skipped a half beat, the way it always did when he started flirting, even though I knew he didn’t mean anything by it. Tal behaved the same way around all women. He was an equal-opportunity flirt.

There is an easy and charming banter between the two. Though at one point Tal calls Willow ‘dude’ - and I’m not sure how I would react to a hot guy making me feel like a ninja turtle. In my humble opinion there aren’t enough sexy faery men in booklandia, oh… plus he makes cookies – so I’m all for team TalWil – go team! Though my spidey senses tell me that there is going to be a second book and in that second book David’s toothy charms will make some serious headway.

Overall, this was a good introduction to a new series. There was a little world building, a hint of romantic tension, some light petting between characters, a cheesy villain and a mystery arc that will probably play out until the last book. The author has built a very interesting world, yet unfortunately it’s not as solid as it needs to be to really draw the reader in. I had so many questions about the world on a larger scale. Maybe that will be addressed in the next book? There was very little profanity and no real violence - which makes for a nice change if you are tired of or wanting a break from books which contain too much sex and blood.

I’m intrigued as to where the author will go next with the storyline so I will definitely be reading book two when it comes out in November 2013.

The Urban Book Thief has awarded Influential Magic a kiss factor rating of three - bravo!

Earth faery Willow Rhoswen is the owner of a bakery that sells magical cupcakes and an agent of the Void, a sort of supernatural law enforcement agency, along with her witchy roommate and friend Phoebe. Willow's relatively normal-ish life is turned on its head when her boss (and despised aunt) sticks her with a new partner, her ex turned vampire David, who claims to have turned double agent against a powerful vampire organisation to protect Willow. Then there's her late twin brother's best frienEarth faery Willow Rhoswen is the owner of a bakery that sells magical cupcakes and an agent of the Void, a sort of supernatural law enforcement agency, along with her witchy roommate and friend Phoebe. Willow's relatively normal-ish life is turned on its head when her boss (and despised aunt) sticks her with a new partner, her ex turned vampire David, who claims to have turned double agent against a powerful vampire organisation to protect Willow. Then there's her late twin brother's best friend Talisen, currently in town to help Willow find out the truth about her brother's brutal death four years earlier, as well as a bewildering series of people keeping secrets and telling lies for a number of reasons neither Willow nor the reader can really keep straight.

This started out interesting enough, but couldn't really keep my interest. The plot with its endless amounts of doublecrosses got entirely too convoluted, the TSTL protagonist is a useless idiot, the rest of the characters are equally annoying, and the obnoxious love triangle with David and Tal and all their pissing contests just made me want to scream....more

When I started this book, I pretty much got sucked in immediately. This was one of those things on my Kindle that actually made me want to read it instead of the physical book I just got from the library (I much prefer physical books) and kept me saying 'just one more chapter'. I knew the supernatural "thing" set in NOLA sounded familiar (not because of the Sookie Stackhouse books) and it's because I've read another of this authors books. It reminds me a lot of the Jolie Wilkins series by HP MalWhen I started this book, I pretty much got sucked in immediately. This was one of those things on my Kindle that actually made me want to read it instead of the physical book I just got from the library (I much prefer physical books) and kept me saying 'just one more chapter'. I knew the supernatural "thing" set in NOLA sounded familiar (not because of the Sookie Stackhouse books) and it's because I've read another of this authors books. It reminds me a lot of the Jolie Wilkins series by HP Mallory.

This was a mystery with betrayal and characters second guessing things all the time, but was also very quirky and I found myself both liking the characters and also wondering how they could be so stupid! I enjoyed the fact that all the supernatural characters were just a part of the story and it wasn't like they all 'came out of the closet' and humans either accepted or rejected them, they were just a part of life. This is the beginning of series and while this book is wrapped up pretty well, I am definitely interested to see what's next....more

Deanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.